About Us — Fact SheetWhy Do We Need The News-Journal Center?
Area visual and performing arts organizations need a mid-size, affordable and state-of-the-art performance venue. Prior to the opening, surveys showed that 403 events for 100,000+ audience members could be scheduled in the facility. What Is The News-Journal Center?
The News-Journal Center is a center for the performing and visual arts and education that welcomes participating artists and visitors from primarily the region but also from throughout the state and the nation. Community access to all local arts organizations is one of the key components of the mission of the facility. The concept is a facility for professional performances, educational outreach and community-wide involvement. The building is a dramatic architectural landmark that will attract residents and visitors as a cultural tourist attraction. Inside the Center will be an 860-seat traditional style proscenium theater with an orchestra pit as well as a 260-seat studio theater. The design includes a lobby-reception area, rehearsal rooms, faculty and staff offices, dance studios, conference rooms, a reception room, a box office, a catering kitchen and a gift shop. The Center will be suitable for corporate meetings, conferences, receptions and banquets. Why The Beach Street Location In Downtown Daytona Beach?
The building is constructed in downtown Daytona Beach, on Beach Street, between Bay and Third Streets, along the Halifax River. A portion of the property formerly functioned as the Broadway Bridge abutment. Site selection was based, in part, on the potential for the News-Journal Center to attract visitors and residents downtown, thereby assisting with the revitalization of the downtown area. Among the priorities set by the Board and accomplished with the Beach Street location are: Central location that will provide community access; Highly visible location on the Halifax River; Gateway location to and from the beach. Who Are the Local Citizens Who Helped The News-Journal Center Through Construction?
The Lively Arts Center, Inc. Board of Directors includes a cross-section of community leaders. The officers include: Glenn Ritchey (Hall-Ritchey Automotive Management), Tippen Davidson (Daytona Beach News-Journal), Thomas Staed (Staed Family Associates), and Jon Kaney (Cobb & Cole). Glenn Ritchey is the Capital Campaign Chair, and John Graham of Daytona International Speedway is our Capital Campaign Vice-Chair. The Architects were Farmer Baker Barrios of Orlando. The Engineers were Zev Cohen & Associates of Ormond Beach and the Construction Manager was Centex, Inc. of Orlando. How Will the Center Be Used?
The News-Journal Center is a new and treasured asset to Daytona Beach and the Volusia County area, serving citizens and visitors in a variety of ways. The primary use for the Center will be as a cultural community center for local non-profit arts and cultural organizations. A special rental rate for area non-profit performing arts organizations will be offered, with costs offset by an Endowment Fund. The Center is the permanent home of Seaside Music Theater. It is also the permanent home of the UCF Master of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre Degree Program. The Center will be the proposed headquarters of a Volusia County Schools Performing Arts Academy. The Center also offers rental facilities to the business and social communities for meetings, conferences, banquets, weddings and exhibitions. Daytime Uses: Matinee and school performances in both theaters; box office visitors; UCF graduate theater program classes (estimated at 15 students and faculty per day); Volusia County Schools Performing Arts Academy (estimated at 50 students and faculty per day); Seaside Music Theater rehearsals, events, technical activities; community groups renting spaces within the Center. Evening Uses: Performances in both theaters; community groups renting spaces within the Center; UCF graduate theater program evening classes and activities. When Did Activity Begin?
Groundbreaking - March 2004
Opening Night - January 27, 2006 What´s the expected Economic Impact?
Fishkind and Associates, a nationally known research firm in Orlando, conducted an economic impact study reporting construction should provide, with multipliers, a $35-million infusion into the local economy. Annual operations should provide an $11-million yearly boost to our economy. Approximately 520 construction jobs in the year of construction and 235 ongoing jobs in the arts and the hospitality industries resulted from the operation of the News-Journal Center, according to the study.
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